Baltimore Ravens may be Jacksonville Jaguars biggest test in 2nd half of 2023 season

The Kansas City Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl Champion but the Baltimore Ravens are probably the team to beat in the NFL right now, coming off a dominating win over the Seattle Seahawks. Coincidentally, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face the Ravens in Week 15, so they'll have a chance to show how good they truly are.

This is the second time in as many years this teams will face off against each other. A successful two-point conversion by wide receiver Zay Jones with 14 seconds to go on the clock gave the Jags the win last year but Baltimore would've come on top if kicker Justin Tucker's last-minute field goal had been good.

While a win is a win regardless of the circumstances, it's important to note that the Jags faced Tyler Huntley, not Lamar Jackson last year. On top of that, they'll face a better version of Jackson this season, one that has elevated his performance under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Jackson wanted a new contract extension and requested a trade when the Ravens made it clear they didn't want to meet his salary demands. In the end, they caved and the 2019 MVP got the deal he wanted. While he missed a portion of Organized Team Activities during his quest for a salary bump, you wouldn't know it by watching him play. Jackson is completing a career-best 71.5 percent of his passes and has thrown for nine touchdowns with just three interceptions.

That said, the Jaguars also need to worry about the Ravens defense. They're currently first in touchdowns allowed in the NFL and gave up a measly three points to the Seattle Seahawks in a blowout win in Week 9.

Heading into Week 10, Baltimore has a 7-2 record and holds the No. 2 playoff seed in the AFC. Not only do the Jaguars need to keep up with them in the upcoming weeks but they'll also have to play against them, and beating them will be no easy task.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the arsenal to counter the Baltimore Ravens

While beating the Ravens won't be a walk in the park, the Jaguars will be up to the challenge. Their defense isn't nearly as good but it still ranks in the top 10 in points allowed. Similarly, they lead the league in takeaways. Furthermore, they recently got defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and DaVon Hamilton back. They'll have their hands full against Lamar Jackson and Co. but they'll have a fighting chance.

On offense, the Jaguars are close to getting offensive lineman Walker Little. Although they just traded for Ezra Cleveland, Little will line up at left guard, giving the offensive line a much-needed boost. On the other hand, it's true that Jacksonville hasn't been able to capitalize on opportunities and has left plenty of points on the field in recent weeks. However, they had ample time during their BYE to clean up on the issues that have held them back.

The Jacksonville Jaguars face several difficult opponents in the second half of the season but none will be tougher than the Baltimore Ravens, who will look for revenge after losing last year.

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